are really all english saunas 'swimsuit only'....?

[julen]

That's it, really. Being from the continent, I can't get used to having to wear stuff in a sauna. Does anyone know of any regular (meaning non-creepy) saunas where you can go without? I'm in the southe-east.

I used to belong to Club Kingswood gym in Basildon and the Saunas were in the changing rooms, so there were were separate ones for male and female and you didn't need to wear a costume, but I don't know of any mixed ones where you wouldn't.

I don't know if they still exist, but you used to get ladies only gyms too, so I would have thought you'd be OK there. Have a look in Yellow Pages.

Thanks - you don't know of any spa-like non-swimming gear saunas by any chance, do you? The ones I used to go to were ones with loads of different sauna rooms, plunge pools, a restaurant (where you'd wear a bath robe), massages, etc. You know, the ones where you can spend a whole day. [reminiscing sigh..]

Centre Parcs have a Spar - I went with my sister a few years back - the Sherwood Forest one I think and the Spar was lovely, just as you describe.

I think for mixed sessions you had to wear a costume, but for the ladies only ones, it was your choice, but most (all) did wear a swimsuit.

I went to a spar in Austria on a ski holiday once and it was a very strange experience for me, so I know how different things must be here for you. I hope you find something, if only to prove we're not all so uptight

All the spas and saunas I have been to in the UK have all been "swimsuits to be worn" type, even on ladies only sessions.

My local council gym run alternative men only and women only days in their sauna so you could probably go naked then. Council-run gyms tend to be quite cheap but the downside is they can also be a bit grotty!!

I know how you feel PW - I went to fabby swimming pool/sauna complex in Slovenia last year and I saw all manner of naked bodies.... (and we think one couple were shagging in one pool ). It was fun though.. I'd never have done that in the UK .

I think the swimsuit thing is probably for hygiene as much as modesty.

Oh don't worry, I'll survive !!! But yes, you're right, it feels strange because it's not what I'm used to. No matter, I'll just take the opportunity to go whenever I go and see my parents..!

Anyway, if anyone knows of a non-swimsuit spa-like sauna thing: I'd be very grateful to hear about it!!!

Oh, but bookwormmum, you always bring a (clean!) towel to sit/lie on. Because yes, you're right of course, it wouldn't be very hygienic otherwise..

dirty arses. That's all I can think of. I'd've thought all those bare feet would pose more of a hygiene problem than potential dirty arses.

It's British prudishness. And I must admit, I could never go naked in a sauna.

I think in most of the female-only saunas I have been to it in the UK it has been acceptable to go topless and only wear bikini bottoms.